Friday, January 29, 2010

Florence Happenings: Festivals

Until February 7th, Sante Croce Piazza in centro will be hosting a Chocolate Festival!

Stands of different kinds of chocolate will be set up in Sante Croce Piazza where you can taste, buy and learn about different kinds of artisinal chocolate.

For more information visit the festivals website here.

Walking Tours New Season!


Walking Tours will start the new tour season starting February 1st. Please see all information below on tour times and days our public tours will be running. Keep in mind these are only public tour prices- our private tours are always available.

Low Season: February 1st to March 7th.
Mid Season: March 8th to April 4th
Main city tours available, all other tours available as private tours only.
Original Florence Walk: available Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 am
Uffizi Gallery Tour: available Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:30 am
Original David Tour: available Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 1:30 pm

*during mid season, Evening Walk is available Monday to Saturday at 5:00pm*

High Season: April 5th to November 7th
All tours running on normal schedule
Original Florence Walk: Monday-Sunday at 9:30 am
Uffizi Gallery Tour: Tuesday-Sunday at 1:45
Original David Tour: Tuesday-Sunday at 4:45

Feel free to contact us at staff@artviva.com if you have any questions!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Florence Happenings: Shopping!


If you happen to be in Florence this weekend, and you're a fan of shopping like us, you can't miss the Vintage Fair at Stazione Leopoldo!

From January 27th to the 31st, the annual market showcases vintage clothes and accesories. So whether you're an afficionado of those vintage PinkFloyd shirts, or are looking for that perfect old-school Gucci bag, this market is a must.

Cost is 5Euro, but you can recieve a 2Euro discount simply by signing up to the main Stazione Leopoldo website, here.

Divertivi, fellow shoppers!!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Follow us on Twitter!


We've just joined the twitter community! Follow us at: http://twitter.com/ArtVivaTours

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Staff Picks: restaurants you can't miss out on


The staff here at ArtViva Walking tours has many common interests and passions: We are all expats, friends and co-workers who relish living in this amazing city. One shared interest that never seems to grow old (and is a constant source of conversation) is our search for great restaurants in the city and around the general area.
Each week we will be sharing a one of our personal picks. These are based on our food-and-wine loving backgrounds, everyday budget, atmosphere of the restaurant and personal experiences.
We hope you enjoy our picks as much as we do!

To start off this week, we suggest a restaurant that we all equally love, right in the middle of Florence. This gem of a restaurant has some of the freshest food, best wine and great appetizers and pasta plates. Coquinarius, located near the duomo on Via delle Ocche, is a great place to go even for a glass of wine and some yummy crostini. So if you're in the mood for excellent service, apetizers like cucumber and honey crostini, a great wine list and large selection of pasta and meat dishes to satisfy any palate, come here. Just make sure to reserve beforehand, as it is a small restaurant that is always packed.

For more info, contact, and reservations, click on the following link. Buon appetito!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Deal of the week: Firenze Scienza Card




Need a break from the Renaissance art? Why not see what the city has to offer in the Scientific sector? Florence has long been known as a city of art, but it also has a signficant Scientific presence as well, that will be sure to impress.

If you are planning on visiting Florence, or are already here, check out the possibility of acquiring your Firenze Scienza Card.
The full priced card, which costs only 10Euros, is valid until May 9th and includes:

-Admission to Palazzo Medici Riccardi Museum
-Admission to museum of Natural History of the University of Florence
-Free visit on March 14th to research labs of the Scientific and Technology Department at University of Florence
-Discounts in certain restaurants and shops
-Reduced price for Orchestra tickets
-Free guided visits to certain gardens and collections in Florence
-much, much more

We suggest taking advantage of this offer, as it gives you the most bang for your buck, as well as a general list of fun activities that you otherwise may not have thought of participating in while visiting the Renaissance City. For more information, visit the Florence Science Website at:
www.firenzescienza.it.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Discover Piazzale Michelangelo ...


Looking for the best place to get the perfect panoramic shot of Florence? We have found that one of our client’s favorite things to do before or after taking our tours is to walk from the city center to Piazzale Michelangelo, a large piazza that is in the southern part of Florence, on a hill overlooking the city below. It is a great way to see the city below and take a photo with the Arno river and the Duomo in the background, and it’s free!

To reach Piazzale Michelangelo, you can either walk or take the bus. There is one bus line that goes there and back that leaves from the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. The bus is number 13 and it leaves from Piazza Adua, which is along Via Valfonda, the road that runs just north of the train station where McDonald’s is. The bus will say “Piazzale Michelangelo” on it, and you can get off at the last stop in the Piazza. You can buy your bus ticket beforehand at any “tabaccheria” or purchase it from the bus driver when you board, don’t forget to validate it on the bus. The bus number 12 then goes down the hill to return to the city center.

To walk, simply cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno region and take a left after crossing the bridge. Continue to walk along the water, passing another bridge on your way. You will eventually see Piazza San Niccolo, which has a large set of stone stairs. Climb those stairs and wind you way up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the city center.


While there, try to time your visit to the Gregorian chants at the church of San Miniato, right behind the piazza. The Benedictine monks there chant at the late afternoon vespers, which are at 5:30pm from April to September and 5:00pm in winter. Call 055 234 2731 for more information or check our website for My Exclusive Beautiful Views of Florence Tour!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Happy New Year!


A very happy New Year to all from our staff in Florence, Venice, and Rome!